BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA

DOWN IN NEW ORLEANS

2008-01-26

Take the exquisite gospel harmonies of the Blind Boys of Alabama and mix them with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, The Hot 8 Brass Band and keyboards compliments of David Torkanowsky and Allen Touissant and you’ve got all the ingredients you need for one fine release. With everything from tent revival style rave ups, "Free at Last", "You Got to Move", "I’ve Got a Home" and the Earl King classic, "Make a Better World", to standard issue mid-sermon gospel numbers, "You Better Mind", "Prayer" and "Uncloudy Day" to a bluesy take on Mahalia Jackson’s "How I Got Over" and even a bit of straight up Dixieland jazz, "I’ll Fly Away", this disc is an infectious romp sure to add a little spring to your step. A testament to the strength of this combination of gospel and the second line grooves that are at the core of New Orleans music is the sterling rendition of "Down by the Riverside" which should make you forget every by the numbers version of the song you’ve endured over the years. Amen, Brother! Smitty www.blindboys.com

Quick Links:

• Blind Boys web site